For those who love dressing up and experiencing local haute couture, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art offers a late-night party Thursday featuring fashion designs modeled live on the catwalk, live music, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and more.

‘‘Chill: Winter SMoCA Nights’’ is the first of three events this year aimed at drawing hip young adults into the museum, says Robert Sentinery of the SMoCA board and the event's planning committee.

Starting at 9 p.m., ‘‘Chill’’ includes a runway show by Arizona fashion
designers, performances by jazz-funk band Sonorous, live piano and vocal music, free food and a cash bar, Sentinery says.

"It's a great place to mingle and meet people," an alternative to traditional clubs for people who enjoy after-hours events, Sentinery says. "They can come dressed up and have a cocktail if they want."

My Florist Cafe pianist Nicole Pesce will perform, and the cafe's chef will serve tiny sandwiches, desserts and other hors d'oeuvres, says My Florist Cafe owner and SMoCA board member David Lacy. SMoCA Nights proceeds benefit the museum, which specializes in architecture, art and design, including fashion design. SMoCA Nights organizers have tried to incorporate the feel of a cutting-edge fashion performance in the event by combining modeling with music and dance, Sentinery says.

Designers include Misery by Valentine Ramirez and Kali Lambson, Sticker Club Girl by Lisa Jacobs, Shame by Chelsey Totten, BOCO by Bonita Arnold, J'Mi by Jay Chague, Alex Ozers, Van Michael's Collection by Warren Van Michael Smith, KD Designs by Kristin Davis, Angela Johnson and Rhonda Zayas.

Logistically, bringing the runway into the museum is a challenge "because we have to make it fit in with the current exhibition," Sentinery says. Currently on display are "Strangely Familiar: Design and Everyday Life," "Street Credibility" and "Svetlana and Igor Kopystiansky: Sandglass."
SMoCA Nights events generally draw 500 to 600 people in their mid-20s to mid-30s, says museum public relations manager Bill Thompson.

‘‘At times we've had to turn away people at the door, so we encourage people to buy advance tickets," he says. "It's something that hits all your senses — from your taste buds to your eyes and ears," Lacy says.